George Russell delivers 'tighter' Toto Wolff claim after signing eye-watering Mercedes extension

George Russell has stated Toto Wolff could have been "substantially tighter" during his Mercedes negotiations.

The British driver's long-awaited contract extension with the eight-time constructors' champions was announced earlier this week, in the lead-up to the United States Grand Prix.

There has been considerable speculation surrounding the deal and the delay in it being confirmed by the Brackley-based squad.

There were reports that Russell was not happy with the proposed length of the extension, given the looming threat of Max Verstappen, whom Wolff was actively courting earlier in the campaign.

However, even when the Dutchman pledged his allegiance to Red Bull for the 2026 season, where he is contracted until the end of 2028, it took longer than anticipated for Russell's contract renewal to get over the line.

In the end, only a deal for 2026 was announced, but it is widely believed that the full details have not been disclosed by the team.

Nonetheless, Russell insists he is "very happy" with the terms agreed, which financially is reportedly £30 million per year.

Speaking at the Circuit of the Americas, he told media, including RacingNews365: "I'm very happy to be honest, because given the situation and circumstances with me and the team, Toto could have been substantially tighter if he wanted to be.

"But I think he really recognises that you need to reward those who are delivering, who are putting in the effort and delivering those results on track."

The 'main goal' for Russell

Russell has been a stand-out performer in F1 this season, and the consensus in the paddock — an opinion shared by the driver himself — is that he is ready to fight for championships.

Since joining from Williams at the start of 2022, Mercedes, however, has not been able to provide him that opportunity.

The five-time grand prix winner maintains that being blessed with a "fast race car" is the most important aspect for him, with Mercedes considered one of the favourites for title glory when F1 overhauls its power unit and chassis regulations this winter, something Russell believes to be the case.

"And that's why I'm sort of here with a smile on my face, because I'm very happy with the offer. As I said, it could have been much tighter if he [Wolff] wanted to be," he added. "So, that's the bonus, but the main goal for me is a fast race car."